GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2005 🢒 Cobalt 🢒 DTC 🢒 DTC P0102

Circuit Description

The mass air flow (MAF) sensor is an air flow meter that measures the amount of air entering the engine. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses the MAF sensor signal to provide the correct fuel delivery for all engine speeds and loads. A small quantity of air entering the engine indicates a deceleration or idle condition. A large quantity of air entering the engine indicates an acceleration or high load condition. The MAF sensor has the following circuits:

    • An ignition 1 voltage circuit
    • A ground circuit
    • A signal circuit

The PCM applies a voltage to the sensor on the signal circuit. The sensor uses the voltage to produce a frequency based on the inlet air flow through the sensor bore. The frequency varies within a range of near 2,000 Hertz at idle to near 10,000 Hertz at maximum engine load. If the PCM detects the frequency signal is less than the possible range of a correctly operating MAF sensor, DTC P0102 sets.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0102 Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Circuit Low Frequency

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The engine is running for more than 5 seconds.
    • The engine speed is more than 500 RPM.
    • The ignition 1 signal is more than 11 volts.
    • The above conditions are met for more than 2.5 seconds.
    • This DTC runs continuously within the enabling conditions.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM detects that the MAF sensor frequency signal is less than 100 Hertz for more than 3 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC
    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids
    • Inspect for any contamination or debris on the sensing elements of the MAF sensor.
    • A wide open throttle (WOT) acceleration from a stop should cause the MAF sensor parameter on the scan tool to increase rapidly. This increase should be from 2-6 g/s at idle to 180 g/s or more at the time of the 2-3 shift. If the increase is not observed, inspect for a restriction in the induction system or the exhaust system.
    • A high resistance of 15 ohms or more on the ground circuit or the ignition 1 circuit of the MAF sensor may cause this DTC to set. A high resistance will cause a driveability concern before this DTC sets.
    • If the condition is intermittent, refer to Inducing Intermittent Fault Conditions and Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step will determine if any mechanical faults have caused this DTC to set.

    2.

  2. This voltage drop test will determine if high resistance has caused this DTC to set.

    3.

  3. This step verifies the voltage signal from the PCM to the MAF sensor connector.

    4.

  4. This step tests the signal circuit of the MAF sensor for a short to another 5-volt reference circuit.

    5.

  5. This step will determine if the MAF sensor is able to generate a frequency signal.

    6.

  6. This step will determine which portion of the circuit or which component is shorted to ground.

    7.

  7. This step verifies that the signal circuit is not shorted to any other PCM circuit.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2
  1. Start the engine.
  2. Select the Induction Data List.
  3. Observe the MAF Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the MAF Sensor parameter less than the specified value?

100 Hz

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 90 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4
  1. Observe the MAF Sensor parameter with a scan tool.
  2. Move the harness and the connector of the mass air flow (MAF)/intake air temperature (IAT) sensor.

Does the movement of the harness or the connector affect the MAF Sensor parameter?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Inspect for the following conditions:
    3. • A MAF/IAT sensor harness that it is routed too close to the following components:
       - Any aftermarket accessories--Refer to Checking Aftermarket Accessories .
       - Any solenoids
       - Any relays
       - Any motors
    • A restricted or collapsed air intake duct
    • A misaligned or damaged air intake duct
    • Loose clamps on the air intake duct
    • A dirty or deteriorating air filter element
    • Water in the induction system.
    • Any objects blocking or restricting the air inlet probe of the MAF/IAT sensor
    • Any contamination or debris on the sensing elements in the probe of the MAF/IAT sensor

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 6

6

Inspect the fuse in the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the MAF sensor.

Is the fuse open?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Measure the battery voltage with a DMM. Refer to Measuring Voltage .
  3. Disconnect the MAF/IAT sensor.
  4. Connect a test lamp between the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the MAF sensor and a good ground. Refer to Probing Electrical Connectors .
  5. Connect the DMM to the probe of the test lamp and a good ground. Refer to Measuring Voltage Drop and Circuit Testing .

Is the voltage within 1.50 volts of the specified value?

B+

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 20

8

Important: All electrical components and accessories must be turned OFF.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition for 90 seconds to allow the control modules to power down.
  2. Measure the resistance from the ground circuit of the MAF sensor to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

5 ohms

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 21

9

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the MAF sensor to a good ground with a DMM.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

4.9-5.2 V

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 12

10

  1. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the MAF sensor and a good ground.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Observe the DTC Information with a scan tool.

Do any additional DTCs set?

--

Go to Step 23

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Review the schematics for the MAF/IAT sensor.
  3. Connect a jumper wire between each of the 5 terminals of the MAF/IAT sensor harness connector and the corresponding 5 terminals of the MAF/IAT sensor.
  4. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature.
  5. Measure the frequency from the signal circuit of the MAF sensor to a good ground with a DMM.

Does the DMM display a frequency within the specified range?

1600-2500 Hz

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 17

12

Is the voltage less than the specified value?

4.9 V

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 15

13

Important:: The ignition 1 voltage circuit of the MAF sensor is spliced to other components of the vehicle.

Test the spliced ignition 1 voltage circuits and components for a short to ground. Refer to the following:

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Wiring Repairs

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

--

14
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the powertrain control module (PCM).
  3. Test the signal circuit between the PCM and the MAF sensor for the following conditions:
    4. • A high resistance
    • An open circuit
    • A short to the IAT sensor 1 low reference circuit
    • A short to ground
    •  Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 16

15

Important:: Disconnecting the PCM connectors may eliminate the short to voltage if the signal circuit is shorted to another PCM circuit.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the PCM.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the voltage from the signal circuit of the MAF sensor to a good ground with a DMM.

Is the voltage more than the specified value?

0 V

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 16

16

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Measure the resistance from the signal circuit of the MAF sensor to all other circuits at all PCM connectors with a DMM.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

∞ ohms

Go to Step 24

Go to Step 18

17

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the MAF/IAT sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 25

18

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 26

19

Repair the wiring or the connector as needed. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 27

--

20

Repair the high resistance or the open in the MAF sensor ignition 1 voltage circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 27

--

21

Repair the high resistance or the open in the MAF sensor ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 27

--

22

Repair the short to voltage in the MAF sensor signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 27

--

23

Repair the short between the MAF sensor signal circuit and the 5-volt reference circuit for which the DTC set. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 27

--

24

Repair the circuits that are shorted together. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 27

--

25

Replace the MAF/IAT sensor. Refer to Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 27

--

26

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 27

--

27
  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 90 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 28

28

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK